APMC Run 08-06-23

APMC Rideout 08-06-23

John Earp has sent this report:-

My alarm wakes me, its 06.45am, the third early wake up in a row! What with hospital visits and grandad duties it's getting to be a habit, however on this occasion its to take part in the Pat Robotham APMC Rideout.
My friend Steve was meeting me, so as not to keep him waiting I'd already prepared my Honda CB500X the night before with route roller (glad I did) fuel and tyre check. Once Steve arrived it was just a case of starting the bike and on our way to Kingstone.
On arriving at Pat's house we assembled our bikes on his driveway and he and Shelly took orders for coffee or tea before our run. We were also able to choose off "The Shrew Pub " menu a meal to eat on our return.
Pat then called us all to tell us the route was approximately 42 miles and the first 20 miles may test our riding skills - along narrow country lanes with the obligatory grass and gravel!!
So off we went and being one of the first into Pat's I was one of the last out and even though I'd put the route into my roller I thought I could just take it easy and play follow my leader. Steve was in front of me on his Royal Enfield and I've followed him many times before so with scant regard for the route I took in the scenery and watched out for the gravel and pot holes.
The route took us via many country roads and at approximately 5 miles into the run on a corner some of the others we'd caught up turned left and some turned right. Unfortunately I also turned right and after stopping to re-acquaint myself with the route realised I should have turned left so it was a case of waiting for a gap in the now busy traffic to turn around and by now the others including Steve were long gone so I proceeded, now as leader of our small group of three.
I turned right for Leigh Pentecostal church along various backroads, Raddle lane, Hill lane to Leigh and finally towards Cheadle, Hollington then passing Croxden Abbey so I knew I was on the proper route past JCB towards Rocester, through the village and later a right turn into Marston Montgomery until finally we joined the main A515 Ashbourne Rd.
As usual there was a never ending stream of traffic and it took some time to actually make the right turn. Simon followed me on his Honda CB77 but Pat and Ann Davy on their Harley combo didn't. As we had to make a left almost immediately towards Boylestone I slowed down to let them catch up but caught sight in my mirror of them shooting straight past the turn so now there were just the two of us!
The route took us in the direction of Hatton and Scropton eventually joining the A515 near Sudbury.
Now it was just a case of a right turn at the roundabout for Marchington, through the village, turn right onto the Uttoxeter Road, left to Loxley and on to Kingstone and the Shrewsbury Arms. Would you believe it? Mr. and Mrs. Davy were already there plus a few others and eventually the remaining participants arrived at the pub where we were welcomed with hot or cold drinks, food as pre-ordered and good conversation.
I found it quite a tiring ride, no doubt due to the concentration necessary on the first half so after finishing our food, etc. Steve and I said our goodbyes and were on our way.
Thanks to Pat and Shelly for organising the route, the drinks at their house and arranging our food at the pub and the nice dry sunny day. John Earp.